The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports that two horses contracted equine herpesvirus-1 after competing at the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California. Both horses are geldings. One tested positive after returning home to Monterey County and the second tested positive in San Diego County.

Both horses are now under quarantine. This particular strain of the virus is non-neuropathogenic and most horses tested positive with it only develop the respiratory EHV-1. However, some can show neurologic signs. California agriculture officials are advising that horses that competed at the HITS Desert Circuit now be monitored for signs of the virus.